Bauchi NUJ loses second Cameraman after ghastly accident
By Umar Mohd
The Bauchi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ) has lost another colleague, Kabiru Ahmed Ilelah of the state Television (BATV) who was among the 13 Journalists that were involved in an unfortunate motor accident while covering the Commissioning ceremony of NEDC projects in the state on 6th February 2026.
Late Kabiru Ahmed Ilelah
Another dedicated cameraman died just one one week after the death of Channels Television Cameraman, Kani Ben from injuries sustained in the motor accident in Bauchi State.
He was 56 years old.
Kabiru died in the early hours of Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the New Surgical Complex of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi where he was on admission few days after surviving from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) .
In his condolence message, NUJ Chairman Bauchi, Comrade Umar Sa’idu described the death of Late Kabiru Ahmed as a painful one that touches not only Journalists but other citizens because of the deceased simplicity and commitment to work and his friendship.
NUJ Chairman explained that Late Kabiru died few days after his retirement from the Bauchi State Civil service after serving for 35 years, saying a serious vacuum was created among the professional Colleagues that will be difficult to fill.
He condoled with the working Journalists in the state and his family for the great loss and prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcoming and reward him with Aljannat Firdaus.
In his condolence message, Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammad expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Kabiru Ahmed Ilela, a dedicated cameraman with Bauchi State Television (BATV), who died following injuries sustained in a tragic road accident.
Governor Bala Mohammed described late Kabiru as a committed and hardworking media professional who served the state with diligence and courage. He noted that Kabiru’s dedication to duty, even in challenging circumstances, reflects the vital role journalists play in documenting government activities and informing the public.
The Governor extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, the management and staff of BATV, the Bauchi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and the entire media community in Bauchi State and prayed for Almighty Allah to grant the late Kabiru Ahmed Ilelah eternal rest and to give his family, colleagues, and loved ones the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
Governor Bala Mohammed also reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the welfare and safety of journalists who work tirelessly in the service of the state and the nation.
Late Kabiru is survived by his mother, two wives, seven children, and other relatives.
Kabiru Ahmed of BATv and Kani Ben of Channels Television were the two most critically injured victims of the 6th Feb motor crash. They were initially admitted at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), before Kabiru was later transferred to the Surgical Complex after undergoing surgery.
The tragic accident occurred on Friday, February 6, 2026, along the Yashi-Yelwan Duguri Road in Alkaleri local government area of Bauchi State where 13 journalists from various media organisations were involved in the crash while covering the commissioning of projects by the North East Development Commission (NEDC).
